Friday, August 27, 2010

WHAT: You’re invited to joinIndiana growers, producers and chefs as they make their way to White River State ParkTHIS SUNDAY to showcase locally produced products at Dig-IN: A Taste of Indiana. Chefs from R-Bistro, Oceanaire, St. Elmo, Recess, Goose and many other great restaurants will prepare their finest samples along with beer and wine tastings from some of the best Indiana wineries and breweries throughout the state. Dig-IN will also feature educational discussion panels, cooking demonstrations, urban gardening exhibits, Q&A sessions with chefs, food pairing classes, and much more. Celebration Amphitheater will also stage three, local Indianapolis bands performing throughout the afternoon. For a list of chefs, producers, wineries and breweries, as well as other event information, go to www.digindiana.org.

WHEN: Sunday, August 29 from noon - 6 p.m.

WHERE: White River State Park’s Celebration Plaza and Amphitheater

801 West Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

TICKETS: Only 6,000 tickets are available for this event. Advanced-sale tickets are available online and at participating Marsh Supermarkets: $15 for adults, $7 for children under 12, and children under 3 are free. (Ticket processing fees may apply.) On-site tickets on the day of the event will be $20 for adults, $15 for children, and children under 3 will still be free.

In Indiana, we know the word well. From a historical sense, we're a leader in the field (pun intended). From an economical sense, our state depends on it to prosper. From a sociological sense, the bounty brings people together! But from my sense, it's what makes Indiana so unique. When repeating the word in my head, I couldn't help but concentrate more on the suffix - "culture." Indeed, the prefix "agri" is clearly important, but hear me out.

The (agri)culture of Indiana is more than just farm fresh foods in our markets and restaurants. It's about embracing what our great state has provided us. It's about appreciating what local farmers have provided us. And most importantly, it's about taking the time to just enjoy it all. In my opinion, Indiana natives know how to do this extremely well.

One way to show our gratitude is through engaging in the Slow Food Movement. From seeding to eating, this movement is all about taking the time to appreciate the growth of our harvests, cooking it with care and savoring every bite with others who vow to do the same. The folks from Growing Places Indy - a non-profit organization committed to the cultivating "culture" of food and urban agriculture in Indianapolis - are leaders in such a movement. They have a Slow Food Garden in the White River State Park filled with delicious vegetables that go straight to local markets and restaurants.

Getting hungry yet?

Well, to satisfy both your intellectual and literal appetite, the White River State Park will be hosting "Dig In: A Taste of Indiana" this Sunday, August 29, from 12-6 p.m. The event will feature educational discussion panels, cooking demonstrations, urban gardening exhibits and local chef Q&A sessions.

And, of course, it couldn't be a "Taste of Indiana" without delicious wine tastings, beer and food pairing classes and much more! And this is all included in the ticket price! In advance, tickets are only $15 for adults, $7 for children and those under 3 years old are free. This is a truly tasty event that is perfect for all ages - "A feast for the senses" indeed.

So celebrate all that Indiana agriculture has to offer and remember to take the time to enjoy it, bite by bite.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

We would like to share today's Green Piece Indy tip with you. This is an important issue in Indiana, and one we believe we all should all be aware of, whether you eat meat or not.

Where's the Beef?You sit down to lunch at a local restaurant, scan the menu, and notice a hamburger made with Indiana beef. Seems like the greenest choice, right? Maybe not. Before you say bring it on to that burger, keep in mind that "Made in Indiana" doesn't necessarily mean sustainable. Sure, it may have traveled a short distance from farm to fork, but did the farming process take a greater toll on our local environment?

Around Indiana, hundreds of Confined Animal Feeding Operations (a.k.a. CAFOs) and factory farms exist. These overcrowded feedlots, where animals gorge themselves on a grain-based diet before meeting their eventual end, often host more than 1,000 cattle, 2,500 hogs or sheep, or 100,000 fowl. Simply put, CAFOs and factory farms create significant air and water pollution. All that animal waste has to end up somewhere, right? And, if you've seen movies like Food Inc., you know that factory farms also pose serious health threats, including E.coli food poisoning.

In response, the Hoosier Environmental Council is hosting a factory farming webinar this Thursday, August 5 at noon or 6 p.m. If you're concerned about where your food comes from, this one's for you. If you can't participate, remember that purchasing meat and poultry raised by local, small-scale farms (like those you would find at your local farmers market) is always the greener way to go.

Of course, all of this begs the question, just how safe is our water? If you're a Marion County resident, round up a group friends, neighbors, or co-workers and contact Marilyn Hughes of the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), at 786-1776 or marilyn-hughes@iaswcd.org. The SWCD offers a free presentation that discusses water quality and conservation issues in the county and offers educational resources for those wishing to start their own projects.

About Me

URBAN – (adjective): in, relating to or characteristic of a city or town.
CULTURE – (noun): a refined understanding or appreciation of • the customs, arts, social institutions and achievements of a particular citizenry, people or social group regarded collectively • (with adjective): the attitudes or behaviors characteristic of a particular group or movement – the emerging Food Culture • (verb): maintain in conditions suitable for growth • (From Latin): cultura – ‘growing, cultivation.’
AGRICULTURE – (noun): the science or practice of farming • (From Latin): agr- ‘field’ + cultura – ‘growing, cultivation.’